A Race Against Fate

De Luca had been watching, waiting for a moment just like this.

He adjusted his stance, angling his body perfectly.

His right leg swung back, his eyes tracking the descending ball, and then—

Boom!

A pure, thunderous volley rocketed off his boot, an absolute cannon of a strike that seemed destined for the back of the net.

The Spanish crowd was already rising in celebration.

But Evan reacted instantly.

The English goalkeeper launched himself into the air, stretching his full wingspan.

For a moment, it looked impossible—the shot was too powerful, too fast—

Then Evan's fingertips brushed the ball.

A miraculous, split-second deflection.

The ball clipped the crossbar, rattling the entire goalpost, before spiraling out for a corner.

The stadium erupted.

The Spanish fans groaned in disbelief.

The English supporters cheered Evan's name, their voices booming through the stands.